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Thursday, 4 February 2016

GHASIRAM KOTWAL by Vijay Tendulkar

GHASIRAM KOTWAL
Ghashiram Kotwal (Open Library)

Ghasiram Kotwal is a play by Vijay Tendulkar. It is about power politics. It is frightening that Ghasiram gives his daughter Gauri to Nana Phadanvis to become a Kotwal.
The play is written in simple language but its satire, dark humour, concept and content are miraculous.
How Ghasiram had came there to find his fortune but situation ruins everything. Ghasiram's suffering and poor condition creates sympathy for him but after becoming Kotwal what he did is terrific.
Vijay Tendulkar himself  was a Brahmin, and in this play he bitterly criticizes/ satirizes the Brahmins. This is ideal example of self criticism. You cannot praise your so called tradition, which in real sense is rotten.
This kind of books actually helps to make society better. It raises awareness that everything is not well, we've to overcome our pitfalls and shortcomings.

I still remember one line from play that " There are no Donkeys in Nana's kingdom?". this sentence is ironical. Means state was full of people like this.

play also throws light on other aspects like how Brahmins were going to visit prostitute at night on the name of Pooja /  worship in Temple. Their wives alone at home waiting for them. there is also reference that This women visited by other men.

Nana Phadanvis has also so many wives, and theneven he lusts Gauri, who is just fourteen years old. This also shows the typical lude nature of kings. How female body was just an object for men is presented here. Ghasiram uses it to gain power and Nana uses it for pleasure.

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